Do pedestrians always have the right of way?

• A. Yes, always
• B. Only when crossing legally
• C. No, not always
• D. Only during daylight

Answer: (C)

Pedestrian right of way isn’t absolute; it depends on the situation. In general, pedestrians have priority when they are in marked crosswalks or at intersections with signals and turning vehicles must yield to them. But there are common cases where that protection doesn’t apply: pedestrians who jaywalk or cross outside a marked crosswalk, or those who step into the roadway mid-block without a signal, may not have automatic protection from drivers. At other times, such as when a vehicle has a green light and is turning, drivers may still need to proceed with caution, and a pedestrian’s actions must be predictable and safe. So, right of way for pedestrians is conditional, not universal.